"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-4, NKJV). What has been your own experience with the reality of these verses? What have you learned from the various trials you have faced that, in the end, have made you a better person, one who better reflects the character of Jesus?
  
   I really like this verse in the book of James. James gives a
   different perspective to the trials that we face in our lives.
   When we look at trials we often get depressed and discouraged
   but how can we count it Joy when trials happen to us?
  
   We can count if Joy when we understand what is the final
   product of the trials which we encounter. When we have a
   knowledge this it helps us to experience our trials differently.
  
   When you are tested , the true nature of your faith is revealed.
   When you come up against difficulty you begin to see your
   true self. By being tested we also understand what our
   level of patience is.
  
   When you have that family member or that person in your life
   who gets on your nerves your patience is being tested. When
   you cant seem to reach past a certain struggle your patience
   is being tested. When nothing seems to be going right your
   patience is being tested.
  
   These experiences teach us how to persevere through difficultly.
   Experiencing the trial slowly , continually and overcoming is
   a precious work that is an unlikely blessing.
  
   James in this chapter wants to give us wisdom in understanding
   our trials. James says if any man lacks wisdom let him ask of
   God. I challenge you to instead of complaining ask God for
   wisdom to see the blessing in your trial, and let patience
   have its precious work.
  
Prayer: Father we thank you for the the trials that you send our way for the perfecting of our faith. We thank you that you see in us something precious you want to develop. Father thank you for your joy in the midst of the trial. Please take us an fashion us perfectly after your image. We desire to be like you. Give us wisdom to understand our trials. Thank you in Jesus name amen.